Providing additional resources for the 170 kids who attend their Saturday classes is the goal of the Illawarra Arabic Academy, following its stunning success in the #GreaterIllawarra Community Funding Program.
Illawarra Arabic Academy receives $2,000 for winning the online public vote for the December round, with Country Companion Animal Rescue and Berkeley Netball Club receiving $500 each as our monthly runners-up.
The Academy was established in 1973 to teach Arabic to the children of the Illawarra and the Shoalhaven. Since then, it has grown and developed into a professional place of learning where the students learn through fun and interactive methods.
Illawarra Arabic Academy Teacher, Hanaa al Basha, said kids who’ve come from all over the world attend the academy.
“We have kids from all different backgrounds, including Indian, Syrian, Saudi, Australian, Bangladeshi, as well as a number of African nations, just to name a few,” Hanaa said.
“We accept and welcome everyone and we are proud of being part of such a diverse community that fuels our stakeholders.
“We need resources like iPads for our Saturday classes, so we can help kids develop their Arabic skills so they can get the most out of school during the week.
“This money from the Greater will be put to very good use, enabling kids from really diverse backgrounds to fulfil their potential.”
Illawarra Arabic Academy Teacher, Hanaa al Basha
Greater Bank’s Illawarra Regional Sales Manager, Greg Creagan, said the Academy has been an integral part of the community for nearly 50 years.
“The participants in the Academy Programs often come from non-English speaking countries, which can make navigating life in Australia very challenging,” Greg said.
“We are delighted to be able to contribute to their amazing work in ensuring that people who choose to come to the Illawarra feel welcome here and are happy to make a home and build a life here.”
There’s another $3,000 up for grabs nominees in our January round, with Helensburgh & Districts Little Athletics Club, Illawarra Wheelchair Basketball Inc and Variety 4WD Adventurers - Illawarra our monthly nominees.
The public can vote online at www.greater.com.au/greaterillawarra from 9.00am Monday January 9, 2023 until 5.00pm Wednesday January 25, 2023.